CHAPTER FOUR

Once at the Taim's Mansion, a wonderful sight to behold.

The sleek black luxury car halted in front of the magnificent mansion.

The body guard opened the door swiftly, Joan stumbled out, she covered her face with the back of her palm as her eyes squinted against the bright sunlight.

Her baggy jeans and and denim jacket contrasting loudly to the luxurious environment.

She exhaled deeply, allowing the rush of adrenaline through her.

"Good afternoon Miss", two maids greeted bowing as they rushed to carry the small box containing few of Joan's most valued assets.

The maids led the way into the magnificent mansion, Joan's eyes widened in awe as she admired, the tip of her fingers grazing the expensive paintings and artworks hanging around.

For a minute the disturbing taught of her future with Damien faded as she allow her spirit synchronize with the environment.

It was just the beginning as they now proceed to the main living room.

"Wow!", join exclaimed, wide eyed and filled with joy.

Magnificent chandeliers, royal furniture, exquisite decor and magnificent artwork's welcoming her into the eloquent living room.

She rushed towards the huge Taim's family portrait, "this is magni…", she was about complimenting when Mrs Ivan's voice interrupted, "don't you dare place those filthy hands on that, it cost a fortune, worth more than things…", she elaborated, an evil smile curling on her lips as she taunted.

She stood upstairs, resting on the balcony's rail as she watched them.

"Take her to her room", she ordered the maids, as they panicked, Joan doesn't react, but instead, she smiles broadly at Mrs Ivan, and after a short pause she joins the maids.

"Such a pervert, how dare she, I'm going to be insulted, what will my friends say?, she looks mannerless, I'm going to suffer, my son is already bearing so much, why do we have to add this?", Mrs Ivan couldn't shake off the feeling of unease growing in her heart, she takes a deep breath trying to calm herself.

The maids knew Joan was Mr Damien's wife, as expected, they escorted Joan to his room.

The creepy sense of unease enveloped her, as the masculine scent hit her, a strong scent of nature, the room exuded luxury, black and grey colors scattered all around, there were no other colors apart from the warm golden light casting a warm view of the room.

The Library holding hundreds of book, Joan walk over to the shelves, letting the tip of her fingers graze the covers.

the evening breeze was blowing sweetly, she walked over to the gigantic wardrobe, swinging the door open, she gasped as the sight of the luxurious clothings, fashion ranging from designer shoes to limited edition clothings.

But then the taught hit her, "I'm not supposed to be here", she takes a step backwards, her excitement declined as she remembers that when she signed the contract, she had prepared to face anything life brings to her.

"Don't touch my stuff!"

Damien stood at the entrance, his broad shoulders wedging his weight at the door's frame, his body dominating and his height intimidating as he covers the entrance.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I…" she tried to explain but he interrupts.

"What are you doing here?", Damien fires at her, his eyes cold and his emotion unreadable.

"I…, Uhmn, I was led here, I didn't come here on my own you know", Joan added, smiling slightly.

But Damien isn't buying the pleasantries, his imposing figure framed on the doorway, as he stares at her in authority, he scoffs, "leave", his voice stern.

Joan's mind wandered, what was she supposed to do ?, where was she supposed to go?, what was she supposed to say ?. Of course she had to obey him, she was in his house.

She walked up to the door, her feet hard on the ground as she tried to maintain balance. How does she ask him to move, so that she'll be able to leave the room?, her mind was a jungle at this point.

After a few seconds of staring at each other, Joan begins to feel intimidated, a spark of anger flaming her as she realized that Damien had not changed yet, he was still a bully, the ruthless, intimidating young man that had always tormented her.

Her face grew red as her compressed anger fueled. Without thinking, she takes a step forward, standing just a few inches apart, the air charged with tension as only their eyes and breath seemed to fight and unseen battle.

The hurting memories flooding back into her mind unfolding like watching her life from a projector.

But then Joan's reacts in anger once again, her hands firm as she connected with Damien's chest pushing him so hard, as if her life depended on it. 

This was the first time she had ever tried to retaliate for the pain he had cost her.

Damien's shirt go caught on the door lock, tearing with a hard rip as he lost balance, he struggled to regain his stance but his arms failed him, there was nothing to grab unto.

With a heavy thud and a loud growl, Damien's face twisted in pain, his eyes scorching with anger.

Immediately, Joan regretted this action, her chest heaving as she struggled to breathe.

A thrill of satisfaction and fear,what will be the cost of this action?, she stood there unsure of what to do as she stared at him wincing in agony.

Surely the commotion had drawn attention, as Damien kept wincing, in a way Joan felt good, but a part of her still deeply regret this action. 

Then came Mrs Ivan and two housekeepers running towards us.

"I knew it, she was such a bad luck, I hate to even hear the reason my husband agreed to

Let this pervert marry my son, oh goodness help me lord", she prayed as she made her way to help Damien up.

"You witch, what have you done already?" Joan's heart sank, she swallowed hard,the scene had escalated, this wasn't what she wanted.

"I'm fine mom", Damien assured as Mrs Ivan helped him stand, but a sharp pain at his abdomen, he had broken his waist.

"I…, I was just about taking my leave, Joan stammered, but everyone's attention was on Damien, helping him out.